Following the laying of the foundation stone last February, on the afternoon of 30 May HDF Energy is inaugurating the plant in Blanquefort*, France, where it will produce high-power fuel cells.
The opening of this plant is highly symbolic, as the Blanquefort site, near Bordeaux, was previously home to a Ford** plant. It thus sets an example of industrial conversion. The project, which represents an investment of 170 million euros, will make it possible to manufacture fuel cells of several MW. HDF Energy chose Ballard’s technology because of its extensive expertise in fuel cells for trucks and buses. The fuel cells produced at Blanquefort can also be used for marine applications.
Volume production is set for 2025. Covering an area of 7,000 m², this plant will be the first in the world to produce high-power PEM hydrogen fuel cells.
HDF Energy is specialised in the construction of hydrogen power plants. However, the company has also forged strategic partnerships in rail and marine transport (with investments in Digas and Hynaval).
*Blanquefort is a commune in southwestern France.
**which manufactured gearboxes
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Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Mariem Ben Tili
